The Star Behind Starfire – Meet Charlie Wharton
It’s a spring tradition! Charlie Wharton of Starfire Designs returns to Evelyne Talman in March with his artistic creations. Charlie’s visits are always a treat, and this year, to help promote the trunk show, we thought we’d get to know this fashion consultant turned nationally acclaimed jewelry designer a little better.
EIL: What lessons from fashion have carried over into jewelry design?
CW: All women don’t like pink, regardless of what we learn when we were little. Color in the jewelry business is as important as in the fashion business. One is married to the other. My business trends come from Europe to New York to Texas. The main thing I have learned in my travel is you listen to the customers, what they want, and try to react to it. If it can’t be provided, then give them something that is beyond their expectation the next season.
EIL: Where do you find your biggest inspiration?
CW: My inspiration comes from antique pieces to the very newest discovery of gem stones. Starfire is given precious pieces including old family coins and cameos, European heirlooms and rare stones from around the world to create a unique piece just for a special person. My job and passion are to recreate that beauty and instill a piece of STARFIRE. Whether it be a very small or large piece, that is a symbol of Starfire. We are focused on one-of-a-kind and exceptional uniquely designed pieces because my beautiful wife, Jean, insisted that when we started this company together over 25 years ago, that we would create pieces that are attractive to both a petite or a plus size person.
EIL: What is/are your favorite piece(s) that you have created?
CW: It would have to be the Pyrite Sun because it is so rare a find in this day and time. It is also a fossilized water lily that is found deep in the depths of a coal mine in Sparta, Illinois. When this round Pyrite Sun is worn it creates such incredible interest and glistens in the light because of its natural colors.
EIL: What is the most rewarding piece you’ve created?
CW: One of my favorite pieces of all time was a magnificent black opal from Australia that was the highlight of our trunk show several years ago. It created excitement all over the country and I so enjoyed showing it. I also get excited every time I handle blister pearls whether they be from the South Pacific or from the Tennessee River. The oyster creates its own piece of beauty that I then get to take and reshape into a newly beautiful creation that will be worn by or be given to a special lady. Blister pearls never go out of style and are attractive to both young and old.
EIL: What do you like about traveling instead of having a fixed storefront?
CW: I get great joy seeing familiar faces and old friends at our stores’ trunk shows and meeting new clients. Traveling is also a wonderful opportunity to learn what the trends are in each part of the country and find new ideas.
EIL: What sets Starfire apart from other jewelry lines?
CW: Starfire uses the finest gold and silver to make pieces and for our wire sculpting, sometimes even reversible to show both the gold and silver. If you notice carefully, most of our pieces include a particular design at the top, or bale, which is our beautiful crown. That is the Starfire signature and we are fortunate that it has created incredible loyalty over the years.
On March 15-17, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, Evelyne Talman is hosting a double trunk show with Starfire Designs and Connie Roberson silk and linen separates. Stop in to say hello to Charlie and see his latest creations. For more information, call 912.638.3470.
